Lake's popularity prompts concern, pride, memories

I was shocked recently to learn HomeToGo — calling itself “the world's largest vacation rental search engine” — lists “Priest Lake, Idaho” among the top ten 2021 destinations “likely to be popular for summer travelers if the pandemic lets up.” That's according to the number of people they say are looking up the place. Keep in mind other spots on this list include Bali, Indonesia and Maldives and Aruba and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

My first reaction wasn't too charitable. “Oh no! The whole world's gonna know about Priest Lake!” Like many, my lake history goes back to childhood. Camping at Indian Creek and driving that dusty east side dirt road. Standing in cool evening water up to our chests with my 80-year-old grandfather.

Attending the Community Church on Kalispell Bay when it was still unfinished inside—we sat on plain wood benches. Later my dad pastoring there, and Terry and I marrying on an autumn afternoon in front of the tall red cross inset in the altar window.

Buying a wooded lot down from the church for bringing our young family from Spokane on weekends and summer vacations. The six of us a tight squeeze in the pickup camper. The trapped chipmunk who thumped inside the food box and leaped onto our 2-year-old when we opened the lid. The little beach where we swam—butterflies flitting on the shore.

Terry's family owning Kaniksu Resort. Saturday night teen dances in the boat house—everybody came. Walking lake ice from the resort across the narrows during the winter of 1968.

Old memories — the foundation for many, many newer ones. We no longer own lake property. Our “cabin” is a vintage travel trailer we purchased last year. I'm trying to book a beach site this summer at one of the lake campgrounds.

Not easy. They reserve six months ahead to the day. Who knows how many unseen others are competing for that prime spot.

The world is discovering a place called Priest. It's too beautiful to stay a permanent secret. Wilderness, water, wonder — it's got it all. What speaks to me, speaks to others. Did I think the conversation mine alone? Not really. But, yes.

What am I doing begrudging “newcomers” the same sun-on-the-water joy that captivates me? Such a perfect place is created for sharing. But the whole planet? Really?

Then again, Priest Lake, Idaho is becoming a world favorite. As a teen heartthrob of mine used to sing—a British group not the Beatles—“It makes a bloke feel—so proud.”